Regenerative Tourism Podcast

This academic research investigates how regenerative tourism planning in New Zealand impacts the role of the visitor through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. While the regenerative paradigm conceptually promotes interconnectedness and collective transformation, an analysis of regional destination management plans suggests that tourists are often deprioritised or subjected to exclusionary value judgements. Planners frequently target a specific "high-value" tourist, defined either by their economic contribution or a pre-existing alignment with local environmental values. This selective approach creates a paradoxical exclusion of those deemed the wrong "fit," potentially alienating diverse groups from participating in sustainable change. The authors argue that for tourism to be truly regenerative, it must function as an inclusive learning system that welcomes all visitors rather than just those who already meet an idealised standard. Ultimately, the study advocates for a shift toward capacity-building and empowered participation to ensure a more equitable and effective transition for the industry.

This research explores the transition from traditional, extractive travel to a regenerative tourism model in Aotearoa New Zealand following the disruptions of the pandemic. The authors argue that the industry must move beyond capitalist growth to focus on the long-term well-being of local communities, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. Central to this transformation is the integration of indigenous Māori values, such as guardianship and respect, which encourage visitors to act as protectors of the environment. By adopting a holistic systems approach, the country aims to build a more resilient visitor economy that enriches both the guest and the host. Ultimately, the source advocates for a conscious reset of tourism practices to ensure the preservation of natural and socio-cultural landscapes for future generations.

The podcast features Kristin Dunne, the former CEO of Tourism Bay of Plenty, regarding the evolution of regenerative tourism. The discussion highlights how standard sustainability is no longer sufficient, as destinations must now focus on strategies that actively improve and restore their local environments and communities. Dunne shares her first-hand experience shifting her organisation’s purpose by prioritising residents and collaborating deeply with indigenous Maori leaders to protect the land for future generations. The source emphasises that this transition requires a fundamental mindset shift and a restructuring of traditional tourism budgets towards long-term destination management. Ultimately, the speakers argue that the industry's success depends on building broad coalitions and viewing tourism as a powerful force for good.

These sources provide a comprehensive overview of the Iceland Tourism Cluster and its pioneering role in fostering a regenerative tourism ecosystem. Through a series of podcast transcripts, the organization's leaders and partners explain how they build bridges between diverse stakeholders, including small businesses, local municipalities, and academic researchers. The core focus remains on shifting beyond traditional sustainability toward a model that actively nourishes and restores local communities and natural environments. Key initiatives such as the Nordic Regenerative Tourism project (NorReg) demonstrate practical applications of this philosophy, using behavioural psychology to "nudge" travellers toward responsible actions. Furthermore, the sources highlight the importance of citizen science and collaborative research in ensuring that tourism development serves as a tool for positive social and environmental impact. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes that for tourism to thrive, it must be deeply integrated with the well-being of the residents and the unique landscapes they inhabit.

Human mobility, hospitality, and tourism industries: A perspective on catastrophes.This academic article investigates the profound historical connection between large-scale health catastrophes and the global travel and hospitality sectors. The research details how increased human mobility and international trade networks act as primary vectors for the rapid transmission of infectious diseases, such as SARS and COVID-19. By examining past crises like the Black Death and the Spanish flu, the author demonstrates that while modern transportation infrastructure supports economic growth, it also creates significant systemic vulnerabilities during pandemics. The text highlights the severe economic repercussions of global lockdowns, noting a drastic decline in tourist arrivals and the potential for a permanent shift in consumer travel behavior. Ultimately, the source argues for a reassessment of tourism planning, emphasizing that future industry sustainability depends on enhanced preparedness and a possible pivot toward domestic travel markets.Read More: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/jsr/vol2/iss2/4/

Human Relationship with Nature, Indigenous Ways of Living and Regenerative Tourism Framework.This academic article explores the concept of regenerative tourism, which aims to go beyond sustainability by actively restoring and improving social-ecological systems. The author argues that this approach draws heavily from indigenous ways of living, emphasizing a symbiotic relationship where humans and nature are seen as deeply interconnected rather than separate entities. Through a specific Regenerative Tourism Framework, the research identifies key indicators for both destination hosts and visitors to ensure that travel results in a net positive impact. Using New Zealand and Māori philosophies as a primary example, the text suggests that post-pandemic recovery requires a shift in consciousness to prioritize local communities and environmental health. Ultimately, the source advocates for putting people and place at the center of policymaking to create a more resilient and holistic future for the global travel industry.

Regenerative tourism futures: a case study of Aotearoa New Zealand.This research analyzes the transition of Aotearoa New Zealand toward a regenerative tourism model in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors argue that previous industry structures were unsustainable and fragile, necessitating a shift from purely extractive economic goals to a holistic focus on well-being. Central to this transformation is the integration of Indigenous Māori values, such as guardianship and hospitality, which prioritize the health of the natural environment and local communities over high visitor volumes. By moving beyond traditional capitalism, the case study suggests that travel should become a conscious act that enriches both the guest and the destination. Ultimately, the source advocates for a resilient visitor economy where success is measured by the flourishing of social, cultural, and ecological systems.Read more: https://www.emerald.com/jtf/article/8/3/346/248687/Regenerative-tourism-futures-a-case-study-of

INDICATORS OF REGENERATIVE TOURISM: Measuring impact and defining regenerative tourism for socio- ecological systems.The provided text explores the shift from traditional tourism to a regenerative model that prioritises the restoration of social and ecological systems. It argues that tourism is a partial industry deeply intertwined with complex global networks, requiring a holistic approach to address issues like overtourism and environmental decay. By utilizing panarchy and adaptive management, stakeholders can foster resilience and regain their social licence to operate within local communities. The source proposes specific supply-side and demand-side indicators to measure success, such as cultural authenticity and ecological renewal. These impacts are evaluated using structured frameworks like the SMART matrix, Likert scales, and spider diagrams to ensure transparency. Ultimately, the text defines regenerative tourism as a transformative practice that engages visitors as active contributors to a destination’s long-term health and vitality.Read more:

A Future of Tourism Industry: Conscious Travel, Destination Recovery And Regenerative Tourism.Post-pandemic recovery requires moving beyond traditional mass tourism toward regenerative tourism. This holistic approach uses positive psychology to foster conscious travel habits, creating resilient destinations that prioritise wellbeing and environmental renewal.Read more:

Co-creating regenerative tourism: stakeholder perspectives and pathways from Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. Research on New Zealand’s Banks Peninsula shows strong stakeholder support for regenerative tourism. While businesses seek financial incentives and residents value authentic experiences, tourists demand eco-friendly options. Success requires collaboration to bridge the gap.Read More:

Regenerative Tourism Model: Challenges of Adapting Concepts from Natural Science to Tourism Industry. This study proposes a regenerative tourism model to move beyond extractive practices. By adapting natural science concepts like the adaptive cycle and panarchy, it seeks to avoid greenwashing. The model emphasises holistic restoration, resilience and symbiotic value.Read more here

Pacific Islanders have long been grappling with tourism as a livelihood strategy, yet environmental and cultural sustainability challenges persist. Envisioning a better future in which tourism delivers profound and lasting wellbeing outcomes for local people benefits from integrating diverse perspectives. Drawing on collective input from a Community of Practice, made up of Pacific Island experts and researchers, the Three Horizons approach was used to engage in transformational thinking and connect metatheorising with lived practice. Exploring innovations that support the transition from the declining tourism system of the present to a ‘fitter’ system in the future was central to the approach. Drawing on regenerative, sustainable, and livelihood frameworks, the emerging future tourism model proactively addresses systemic tensions and proposes eight bridging mechanisms for tourism transformation.Read the original article here.

This research letter explores stakeholders’ views towards the implementation of regenerative tourism, based on the perspectives of business and community organisations, residents, and travellers in Banks Peninsula, New Zealand South Island. While the results highlight strong support for regenerative tourism principles among stakeholders, both businesses and community organisations express a need for resources and financial incentives to enhance regenerative efforts. Residents show interest in engaging with eco-friendly practices and tourists demonstrate a preference for sustainable travel options. Results show the importance of stakeholder collaboration in developing regenerative tourism models to translate awareness into practice through local and place-based grounded actions.Read the original article here.

What is regenerative tourism?At the core of the definition of regenerative tourism is the necessity for a holistic understanding of its origins. The increasing awareness of the environmental and sociocultural consequences linked with leisure and recreational activities has led to a global rise in this emerging concept. This article explores the historical, current, and future dimensions of leisure behaviour, emphasising the need for regenerative practices to address contemporary challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and explains ‘what is regenerative tourism?‘ The focus on regenerative tourism is crucial for short and long-term successful integration into local systems, with Indigenous values serving as a foundational guide for effective regeneration.Regenerative Tourism Definition“Regenerative tourism fosters ongoing rejuvenation and innovation in tourism systems, focusing on restoring and enriching social-ecological systems. It surpasses mere impact reduction, thriving amid changing trends and shocks with a focus on economic stability, minimal social and environmental impact, and the creation of authentic experiences.”BY ASIF HUSSAIN, PHDLearn More

This chapter investigates the contribution of indigenous wisdom to regenerative tourism. The unique cultural, environmental and spiritual knowledge inherent to indigenous communities creates a foundation for an understanding of regenerative tourism that goes beyond sustainable tourism. This chapter explains the importance of indigenous cultures and explores how their ancient value systems and worldviews provide a fuller understanding of regenerative tourism. Key values that create the indigenous worldview are discussed in the context of tourism. Seven in particular are highlighted as follows: viewing life holistically, ancestral and intergenerational knowledge, valuing community, holistic ways of knowing, sanctity of place, indigenous food systems and innate welcoming and hosting. Destinations where indigenous peoples’ values have shaped the touristic experience are discussed. This chapter ends with the challenges and opportunities of integrating the indigenous worldview with the modern worldview to make the paradigm shift to regenerative tourism.Read the chapter here.

This chapter explores regenerative tourism as a holistic approach that transcends traditional sustainability by actively restoring and enhancing social–ecological systems (SESs). Recognising tourism as a partial industry, the chapter highlights its dynamic interactions with economic, social, cultural, and environmental systems. It presents regenerative tourism as a model that integrates both supply and demand perspectives to foster continuous renewal, innovation, and resilience. On the supply side, regenerative tourism promotes ecological restoration, supports innovative and sustainable tourism practices, enhances economic stability with minimal environmental impact, and delivers authentic experiences. On the demand side, it meets the growing desire for ethical, participatory, and immersive tourism, positioning tourists as active contributors to the long-term well-being of destinations. The chapter underscores the importance of multidimensional indicators, such as ecological health, community well-being, and cultural integrity, in capturing tourism’s complex impacts. It discusses tools, such as systems thinking, network analysis, and multi-level assessments, alongside measurement frameworks, including SMART metrics, Likert scales, and spider diagrams, to evaluate impacts comprehensively. These tools foster transparency, stakeholder alignment, and accountability in regenerative tourism practices. Towards the end, the chapter defines regenerative tourism as a dynamic model that prioritises long-term socio-ecological benefits, offering ethical, authentic experiences while supporting vibrant, resilient communities and fostering continuous socio-ecological rejuvenation.Learn More

“Project Regenerative Tourism” is an initiative led by the Sustainability and Resilience Institute (SRI) | Tourism Advisory, New Zealand. Its primary aim is to promote research and experiential opportunities related to regenerative tourism, encouraging visitors to actively participate in the ongoing discourse around this concept. The project has achieved significant outcomes, including the publication of various scholarly works and the development of a comprehensive “Regenerative Tourism Model” and “Regenerative Tourism Framework."Learn more here

This timely and innovative handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the current critical debates, trends, and the transformative potential of regenerative tourism, and also looks towards a more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable future for tourism.Comprising specifically commissioned, original contributions from recognised authors and experts in the field, the book provides a logically structured and systematic guide to the current state of knowledge in this area. It is interdisciplinary in coverage and international in scope through its authorship and content. The volume commences with an assessment of the principles and theoretical foundation of regenerative tourism, which provides a context to explore the policy, planning, development, destination management and marketing, local impacts, manifestations, and future of regenerative tourism.This is essential reading for students, researchers, academics, practitioners, policymakers, government officials, and industry professionals interested in the possibilities of responsible and sustainable, and regenerative forms of tourism.